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New Band: Historics

Historics are ready to reveal the swirling and dreamlike "Taverns," the first single and music video off their forthcoming debut album. The hypnotic track stems from the combined forces of three veteran musicians and their diverse backgrounds: Don Devore (Ink & Dagger; Icarus Line), Mickey Madden (Maroon 5), and Josh Grubb (VietNam).

The song is a warm and bittersweet trip laced with Grubb's narcotic, eastern-tinged guitar licks. Madden's steady basslines provide a subtle yet cathartic anchor, often maintaining the heart of the song while the other instruments erupt into moments of chaos. Devore speak-sings melancholy lyrics such as "breath that smoke, lose your hope" in a beautifully weathered voice – one that sounds like it belongs to a man who has seen and done it all.

The video, directed by Brendon Devore, features multiple planes of footage draped on top of one another, mirroring the production of the song and its layered sonic tapestry. Golden hues outline the band members, giving them a spectral quality while cityscapes float across the screen. Adding to the surreal atmosphere is ominous interspersed footage of a bat flying in slow motion as well as the spooky shots of an owl that bookend the video.

Not awful. I could dig it for background music at a dinner party over a glass of wine, but I'm not sure I'd pay to see it. His lyrics are a bit mumbled and could be clearer, but musically it isn't awful. Depeche Mode anyone?